More than 20 TikTok content creators were arrested in Nairobi on Tuesday following multiple complaints from members of the public over harassment and indecent conduct linked to online content creation.
Police confirmed that the suspects were apprehended by officers from Pangani Police Station after residents raised alarm over their behaviour in several parts of the city, including Eastleigh, Pangani, and Muthaiga.
According to investigators, the group allegedly targeted unsuspecting pedestrians while filming videos intended for social media platforms.
Police confirmed that the suspects were apprehended by officers from Pangani Police Station after residents raised alarm over their behaviour in several parts of the city, including Eastleigh, Pangani, and Muthaiga.
According to investigators, the group allegedly targeted unsuspecting pedestrians while filming videos intended for social media platforms.
Victims, most of them women and young girls, were reportedly approached from behind, touched inappropriately, or deliberately startled as cameras rolled.
Authorities say the actions were carried out under the guise of creating entertaining content, which was later uploaded online to attract views, likes, and engagement.
Authorities say the actions were carried out under the guise of creating entertaining content, which was later uploaded online to attract views, likes, and engagement.
However, the videos quickly sparked public outrage, with many Kenyans condemning the creators for crossing legal and moral boundaries.
“In several clips circulating online, individuals can be seen accosting pedestrians on busy streets, causing distress and discomfort,” a police officer familiar with the investigation said.
The suspects are expected to be arraigned in court on Wednesday, where they will face charges related to harassment, public nuisance, and recording individuals without their consent.
Police have also issued a strong warning to content creators, cautioning them against violating the law in pursuit of online fame.
“In several clips circulating online, individuals can be seen accosting pedestrians on busy streets, causing distress and discomfort,” a police officer familiar with the investigation said.
The suspects are expected to be arraigned in court on Wednesday, where they will face charges related to harassment, public nuisance, and recording individuals without their consent.
Police have also issued a strong warning to content creators, cautioning them against violating the law in pursuit of online fame.
Officers stressed that content creation does not excuse criminal behaviour and that anyone found harassing or exploiting members of the public will be dealt with according to the law.
The arrests come months after Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris raised concerns over a similar trend in November last year.
The arrests come months after Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris raised concerns over a similar trend in November last year.
At the time, a viral video showing young men harassing schoolgirls while claiming to be creating content sparked national outrage.
Passaris condemned the behaviour, describing it as an abuse of social media platforms and a serious threat to the safety and dignity of women and girls.
Passaris condemned the behaviour, describing it as an abuse of social media platforms and a serious threat to the safety and dignity of women and girls.
She called on the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to take swift action against those responsible.
“Assaulting or harassing people under the pretext of content creation will not be tolerated,” she said at the time, warning that social media should not be used as a shield for criminal acts.
Police have since confirmed that investigations into the arrested TikTokers are ongoing, with authorities reviewing additional footage that may lead to further charges or arrests.
Members of the public have been urged to report any similar incidents to the nearest police station as authorities move to curb the misuse of digital platforms and protect the safety of city residents.
“Assaulting or harassing people under the pretext of content creation will not be tolerated,” she said at the time, warning that social media should not be used as a shield for criminal acts.
Police have since confirmed that investigations into the arrested TikTokers are ongoing, with authorities reviewing additional footage that may lead to further charges or arrests.
Members of the public have been urged to report any similar incidents to the nearest police station as authorities move to curb the misuse of digital platforms and protect the safety of city residents.
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